Stories of Hope

Ethan's journey

Hi my name is Ethan and I'm 2 1/2 years old. In this picture I'm on the right and my wonderful brother, Eli, is on the left. He's 6 years old and he is my best friend. I can't wait to be able to tell him how much I love him and look up to him one day. I have not yet been diagnosed "officially", but my mommy and daddy KNOW that I have Autism!! Right now I'm nonverbal, but I am trying really hard to learn to speak!! I am always so incredibly happy and love to smile and laugh. My favorite things to do are to line up my toys and watch the wheels on all the cars spin, but I love nothing more than being in water...it's my most favorite thing in the world!! I walk on toes, flap my arms, love to climb everything, among many other things. I hope my story of my journey helps to raise Autism Awareness!!!!

Amber
Gordon, GA

Working With Autistic Children Is A Joy

I work with Autistic Children in school. They are a challenge every day, they work s o hard at what they acconomplish.They are such a joy to be around and teach.We do Special Olmpics every year. The smiles on faces when they get their medals is worth it all.I love what I do more and more each year I work with them.

Bonnie Shelton
Harrisburg, IL

Hope... was mine to lose

My son Daniel was an incredibly bright, happy-go-lucky, playful child whose smile and laugh could fill up an entire room. However, he was a sugar junkie whose skin tone should have been Red Dye #40; an extremely picky eater, he only ate chicken nuggets, french fries, cheese sandwiches, pb&j, potato chips, chocolate milk and all the “fruity” candies that he could get his hands on. He was also a very sick little boy; ear infections, two bouts of pneumonia and multiple sinus/upper respiratory infections in two years caused a barrage of pediatrician visits, multiple rounds of antibiotics, specialists and three different blood work appointments; until finally landing us with a diagnosis (in early January of 2013) of Malnourishment/Failure to Thrive.

I went on a research rampage… Diets, Vitamins, Supplements, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and so much more! Within three days of implementing the diet, I began getting reports from teachers and other parents that Daniel was “like a different child”. Daniel had begun to speak to you, instead of speaking AT you, he was forming opinions and making quick decisive decisions, he was able to explain himself and began to adapt to situations. The ugly purple rings under his eyes were fading away, his complexion was no longer a pale and pasty white and his constant congestion was reducing. Daniel’s progress is nothing short of amazing and I didn’t stop there… I continued my researching and began a rigorous vitamin and supplement plan with him that we stuck to, like glue.

Inspired by Daniel’s results and wanting to spread the word, I chronicled Daniel’s story in a blog that to my total astonishment has received over 10,000+ readers and in March of 2013, I founded an organization with the single purpose of educating and advocating parents and caregivers to unlock the possibility of healing and recovery of Autism, ADHD and ALL related disorders.

Several months ago at Daniel’s 6 month neurological re-evaluation, the following words were spoken:

"Daniel no longer has any identifiable autistic characteristics, traits or behaviors. I'm removing his diagnosis..."

HOPE. It’s just that simple. I promise.

Beckey Gilliland
Lawrenceville, NJ

My Brother and I

This is my brother. He's been in my life ever since he was born, since I'm the oldest. Like any typical autistic child, he doesn't like change, but oddly enough, every day is different: how he acts, talks and plays. It's always new. I love him to death, and I'm honored to have a brother who is so loving and sweet. He's the best brother I could ever ask for.

Hailey Grant
Thomasville, NC

Super Alex - Mom's perspective

It all started at Alex's 18 mos check-up. I am grateful his doctor didn't downplay my concerns. I wondered if Alex should be babbling or doing some other things that average kids may be doing at that age. Our doctor got us on the right path. The process was not easy but eventually after many check-ups, evaluations and observation, a diagnosis was finally given and we got ABA therapy.
I am happy for the many great services and helping hands we have given since that 18 month check-up. Thankfully Alex's outlook is very promising. Only after a couple months of ABA he has made great strides. A parent of an average child is proud of their child's achievement, but when you are a parent of a special needs child, those achievements (no matter how small) are like climbing mountains.
I was very upset at the beginning when we got the diagnosis but like many things in life we have to go through the emotions to finally get to acceptance and understanding. I look back and wonder why I was so upset. I am not going to lie, it has not been easy but being diagnosed on the spectrum is not a death sentence.
I would not trade my wonderful boy for anything. Don't ignore your concerns and if you don't agree with what professionals tell you then get a second opinion. Fight for your child and your family. It won't be easy but it will pay off in the end. I love this little boy and thank god for him everyday. He is my miracle child.

Jennifer
Novato, CA

Appreciation the Amazing

Autism has been a part of my life for its entirety. My uncle Dave has been jumping, flapping, and holding my family to a strict routine for as long as I can remember. My grandmother, a frustrated and liberated woman of the 1960s, started a foundation for people with disabilities in our community due to the lack of options she had for her son. Today, Camp Venture serves thousands of people, both adults and children all with varying disabilities. I have the privilege of working at one such after school program. My group happens to be mostly made up of students with severe autism. Although they cannot speak, they have said so very much. My students have taught me to celebrate victories, no matter how seemingly small. They have taught me to love and be loved for all that we are and all that we can be. I have learned above all to not only accept, but truly appreciate the uniqueness of each individual I come across. No college class, scholarly article, nor long winded lecture could have taught these valuable life lessons. Autism empowered my grandmother to seek a better life for her son and the millions like him. Autism has given me the inspiration to work with the students I so very much love and to encourage them to appreciate their wonderful uniqueness as much as I do. Awareness, acceptance and appreciation is the very least I could offer in return. Autism truly does speak, all we have to do is listen.

Meghan
Rockland, NY

Living with Aspergers

I was diagnosed with Aspergers syndrome when I was 12, I was sat down one day and told it and what it was. I didnt realise really what I had been told but as I got older I started to notice it as social situations and change I struggled with more than my friends did.

I sufferd from alot of bullying at secondary school but I got help from the schools special unit for kids who needed support. I tended to stick to a close bunch of friends but was easily scared by things I didnt understand so often i changed friends to avoid it but I did in the end make a good friend who got me through the time at school. I often got into arguments with friends as I was too clingy and obessive, which in the end left me alone when I left school.

At 16 I was intending to go to 6th form but I could take the thought of staying in education when it brought me so much trouble. I luckily got a job and grew up alot working with adults having a bumpy ride at times but I was lucky enough to meet my girlfriend 4 years later after starting work which has changed my life as I found my reason to purposely put my self through what my condition hates, change and social events because I love someone. It made me want to get stronger as a person so I could look after my loved one, I believe there is something that will make any person with autism or a part of it help them look past there problems, whether its a hobbie, loved ones or something else.

Liam Thompson
Horley, United Kingdom

All4Gene

Our son Eugene was diagnosed with Autism and Speech Delay at the age of four. Now at almost the age of 8; we've tried many different things from dietary changes, public/private & home schooling, music therapy, etc. Focusing on helping him become more self sufficient and independent. He is beautiful soul, as his strengths are music, art and of course playing games.

Since then we've moved from Hawaii to Kansas City so that Eugene may attend a brain balance center. It focuses on Neurological disorders and balancing the hemispheres of the brain. Helping the child deal with the normal day to day things he/she may be dealing with; yet not tarnishing the uniqueness of the child. Its been a difficult move as raising money to attend has been a challenge as well as adjusting to life here in the mid west. Since going thru the assessment at the center we've had the chance to meet the staff and other participants of the program; which has made it even more apparent that this is a great opportunity.

I am asking that you would help spread the word about our endeavor to give Gene every possible chance of reaching his full potential. Below are the fundraising and facebook link as well. Thank you for your time and support!

Kind regards,
The Tapii family

Fundraising link: http://gogetfunding.com/project/all4gene-1

Facebook link: www.facebook.com/all4gene

www.brainbalancecenters.com

Tulei Tapii
Shawnee, KS

Codie's Story

Codie was born April 27,2006! As he grew we noticed he wasn't developing like other children his age! The first signs that we seen was when he was 6 months no eye contact! So as he got older we watched and when he was 3 years old I said something's wrong! He was nonverbal, walked on his tip toes and avoided eye contacted! So I made him an appointment to see his doctor! That's when she said " I believe he has autism!"! So we made an appointment to see a specialist! Our concers were confirmed he has autism! With us being uneducated we researched! Scared to death! As time went on we started therapies! He now is 7 years old! He still has trouble with eye contact, social issues and flaps! Walks on tip toes But he can talk! It's so nice to hear your child talk when you never thought it was possible! So with proper education and therapy he is learning and teaching us everyday! He still has texture and sensory issues! We are working on many new ideas we have found that works! As we grow we are learning nothing is normal! I wouldn't change anything in him! We made a lot of sacrifices but he's worth it! He has a sister who truly loves him! It can be frustrating at times but she understands! I still have to educate my family because they don't understand Autism! I will continue our journey along the way!

Stella Nutt
Oliver, PA

The Love of a Grandson

My grandson has always been very dear to me. His papa and I new from the time he was born that he was special and was doing things well beyond his years, but not until he started school did he show signs that were uncontrollable. The teacher couldn't cope with is noises, his crying or anything else he did that disrupted the class. He had no friends. Finally his mother did something about it and between Kindergarten and first grade they had him tested. He is at the higher end of Autism. He is a very smart boy and the top of his class, but because of circumstances he hates school. He his an excellent reader, speller, and is very good at math. After visiting the fair at two and a half he was fascinated with the ferris wheel and with his connects he recreated it. The seat moved as well as the wheel itself and he has made many things that are just beyond his years. His mind is always learning and creativity is mind boggling.
Medication and therapy is helping him be better behaved little boy. The positive side of all this is he has friends and he calls them his "Best Buds." He will be starting school in a new district, I hope he will be happy and gain many new friends. To my Grandson I have nothing but love, respect, and joy in knowing that you are getting help and that you will grow up to be a very productive and wonderful boy, young man, and adult. I love you out into the universe and back again.
At this time my family is fractured and I haven't seen him in awhile, but that doesn't mean I don't love him. He is always in my prayers as well as his brother, cousins and my children. One day I hope he will know that I didn't abandoned him and that I will always be there to love him and help him and that he will always be my "special ray of sunshine".
Love Grammie.

Laura Conger-Ashley
Bakersfield, CA